“Willory provides such a safe environment where we can feel comfortable accepting and admitting our failures without fear. We’re encouraged to think of our failures as learning opportunities, rather than catastrophes.”
Welcome to our new series about what makes Willory truly unique: our team. Without the people on the Willory team we would not be recognized as one of the top workplaces in Northeast Ohio and have grown so significantly in the last (almost) eight years.
Get to know Willory’s recently-promoted HR Operations Manager Cristina Scarlatelli through her own words. If Cristina’s words resonate with you and you want to join #TeamWillory, check out our Why Willory? page.
How did you find Willory?
Willory’s Marketing Manager Bridgette Klein and I previously worked together at the Akron Art Museum. Bridgette contacted me about a year after she started working with Willory and asked me if I’d be interested in an open HR Associate position. Because of Bridgette’s enthusiasm and passion for the company and the team, I decided I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, and I’m glad I didn’t.
What have been some of your favorite takeaways/strongest developments from working at Willory?
One of the things I love and appreciate about Willory is that it offers professional development training to our team, including training on sought-after soft skills that are vital to successful collaboration in the workplace today. My favorite topic that we’ve learned is Emotional Intelligence (EQ) which is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. As a self-proclaimed empath with a strong interest in mindfulness, this topic naturally resonated with me. It’s something I already practice in my personal life. But EQ also applies in the workplace. Because workplaces are relational environments, it’s important to be able to successfully navigate different personalities, skills, strengths, and emotions. I’ve enjoyed learning and developing this skill, and applying it in my career.
What are the 3 most significant lessons that you have learned in your career so far?
- Self-Discipline
Willory is my first remote working environment experience. Coming from a background in traditional office workplaces, working remotely was a huge change, and I had to learn self-discipline. I create to-do-lists, set deadlines for myself, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. I’ve had to learn not to allow myself to be distracted by house chores, social media, etc. I also try to define work periods and break periods to help me structure my day more conventionally.
- Failure is inevitable
Although I’ve never really been afraid to fail, I’ve always been one to play it safe. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve learned that you can’t succeed without failing. Willory provides such a safe environment where we can feel comfortable accepting and admitting our failures without fear. We’re encouraged to think of our failures as learning opportunities, rather than catastrophes. - Respect
If you’re respectful of others, you receive respect in return. We each have different skills that we bring to the table and it’s important to respect those as complementary to our own skill sets. I want to work in an environment where people maintain open and honest communication, encouraging one another, say thank you, offer help when possible, and take interest in each other as people, rather than just coworkers.
How has Willory helped you in your career development?
Willory took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to pursue a career in human resources – a career change I was interested in, having previously worked in the arts and nonprofit development. Willory provides ongoing, in-depth training – not only team-wide, but personal professional development training as well. I consistently receive individualized attention and feedback to help me develop, grow and advance within the firm. I’m encouraged to become a member of professional associations and attend networking events and conferences in order to build relationships with other HR professionals and learn from experts in the field.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working with the firm?
Being promoted from HR Associate to HR Operations Manager in June 2018!
Congrats on your recent promotion. What are you most excited for in your new role?
I’m excited to work more closely with my teammates. Willory’s culture is our first priority and I want to focus on enhancing it, improving the employee experience, continuing to simplify the way we do things, and ensuring that Willory is a company that people want to work for. I look forward to being part of the management team and contributing to strategic planning and thinking.
How is your work life balance? What do you spend most of your time doing outside of working at Willory?
My husband and I are expecting our first baby in December! So, I’m currently focusing on my health, my pregnancy, and preparing for the baby’s arrival. Other than that, I enjoy walking the Metro Parks trails with my dog Smokey, taking art classes, reading, and cooking (and eating!).
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